Hillsborough County will celebrate Florida Arbor Day with a free educational workshop and tree giveaway on Friday. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hillsborough County Extension Service, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, and will include an interactive session on selecting, planting, and maintaining trees.
According to Hillsborough County, Participants in the workshop, part of the Extension Service’s Urban Forestry Programs, will receive a complimentary tree. The event also highlights the national shortage of certified arborists, driven by the need to expand urban canopies, increase climate resilience, recover from environmental damage, and replace an aging workforce.
The event aims to address the workforce gap by offering urban forestry and arboriculture education, connecting community members to tree-care work, and introducing opportunities for professional certification and careers in arboriculture.
Complementing the workshop, Florida Arbor Day also launches Tree Quest, a county program encouraging residents to explore Hillsborough’s urban forest. By scanning QR codes on tagged trees in 13 selected parks from Jan. 16 to Feb. 4, visitors can learn about the region’s flora, their ecological benefits, and cultural significance.
Hillsborough County officials are using Florida Arbor Day to celebrate trees and promote education in tree care and green careers. The initiative aims to support a healthier environment while giving residents the skills to maintain urban forests for the future.
